By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Southern Kaduna People in diaspora (SOKAPDA), Europe, have condemned in strongest terms the recent killings of 11th March 2023, that resulted in the loss of 17 lives and injuries of innocent citizens in Ungwan Wakili and other villages in Zangon Kataf Local Government area in Southern part of Kaduna State.

The Southern Kaduna Diaspora community in a statement signed by its President, Mr. Casmir P. Biriyok Nale, and circulated in Kaduna, described the incident as tragic, saying that their state has become a killing field without end insight.

They expressed regret that the attacks and killings came barely three months after the mass murder of 38 harmless villagers in Malagum, Kamuru–Ikulu and Abun (Broni Prono) in the same Southern Kaduna on or about 18th December, 2022.

“SOKAPDA Europe, finds it difficult to comprehend how human lives seem to have little or no value in Nigeria in general, and Kaduna state in particular. We condemn this wanton killing in its entirety. According to them,”These attacks are happening in the middle of elections; given this scenario, one can only assume that this is calculated to destabilise Southern Kaduna during this election period.

“There seems to be no empathy from the political leadership of the State, for we have not heard of any statement made by either the state or most of the political actors, by either visiting or indicating support through press releases or otherwise, the curfew notwithstanding”, they lamented.

Making a comparising, SOKAPDA recalled that “A couple of days ago, in Lagos, a train accident killed 6 people and this attracted sympathy and the attention of the whole state. Flags were flown half mast and the governor was all over the place.

“However, 17 people were killed in Kaduna State and as at the time of writing, we have not heard from the state not to talk of a visit by the state leadership. Most of the political parties have shown little support to either the victims or issue a simple statement of condemnation of the killings.

SOKAPUD argued that, “It is essential to hold those who have sworn to protect us to do the needful for we in diaspora are frustrated that in the 21st century, technology like phone tracking, geo orbits satellite, drones and old-fashion spying, etc., have not been fully utilized.

Continuing the said “We have been told time and time without number that the best is being done. Those at the receiving end seem not to see all these efforts, for the killings seem to be going on unabated for years.

“It is also on record that nobody as far as we know, has taken any responsibility for possible negligence or dereliction of duty or responsibilities, and resigns to demonstrate they hold human lives sacred” they pointed

Adding the group lamented that , “The peaceful Kaduna State that we once knew is no more and we sincerely hope that somewhere within the political class, someone will take security of lives seriously for it is absolutely too tragic that our state has become a killing field”,